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37
AIR RIDE SWITCH OFFÐ This warning message
is displayed when the AIR SUSPENSION SERVICE
SWITCH is in the OFF position. The air suspension
service switch is located in the vehicle trunk in the
jack stowage area on the left side. For more
information refer to theAir Suspensionsection in
theDrivingchapter.
CHECK AIR RIDE SYSTEMÐ This warning
message is displayed when the Air Suspension
System is not operating properly. If this warning
message is displayed while driving, pull off the road
as soon as safely possible. If the vehicle is loaded
beyond the recommended maximum payload, the
ªCHECK AIR RIDE SYSTEMº message may be
displayed. This is a normal condition if the vehicle
is overloaded. To correct this condition, remove or
redistribute the payload per the recommended
maximum requirements. Turn the ignition switch
from ON to OFF to ON again. If the warning
message reappears, turn the Air Suspension Service
Switch (located in the vehicle trunk in the jackstowage area on the left side) OFF and contact your
dealer for service as soon as safely possible. For
further information refer to theAir Suspension
section in theDrivingchapter.
CHANGE OIL SOON/OIL CHANGE
REQUIREDÐ This warning message is displayed
when the engine oil life remaining is 5% or less.
When Oil Life Left is between 5% and 0%, the
ªCHANGE OIL SOONº message will be displayed.
When Oil Life Left reaches 0%, the ªOIL CHANGE
REQUIREDº message will be displayed.
An oil change is required whenever indicated by
the Message Center. USE ONLY RECOMMENDED
ENGINE OILS (seeEngine Oilin the Index).
The Message Center will tell you the percent of oil
left during System Check. This percentage is based
on your driving history and the time since your last
oil change. In order to ensure accurate oil life left
indications, you should only perform the following
OIL CHANGE RESET Procedure after you have the
oil changed.
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175
NOTE:Engine torque reduction isNOTactive
when engine coolant temperature is below-10ÊF
(-23ÊC).
During the Traction Control
TM
function, which most
often occurs during low speed acceleration on
slippery surfaces, a noise may be heard coming from
the engine compartment. This is normal and may
last for a few seconds during the acceleration of the
vehicle.
In general, this system improves your vehicle's
stability and acceleration performance when road
conditions warrant. Traction Control
TM
is fully
effective at all vehicle speeds.
If the Traction Control
TM
system is cycled
excessively, the brake portion of the system will
shut down to prevent the rear brakes from
overheating. A limited Traction Control
TM
function
using engine torque will still control wheels from
spinning. A cooling down period is required to
prevent damage to the brakes. This time periodvaries and depends on brake usage during the
cooling down period. Anti-Lock braking is not
affected and will function normally during the cool
down period.
After the cool down period, the full Traction
Control
TM
function is restored.
Air Suspension SystemYour vehicle is equipped with an automatic load
leveling air suspension system. This system
maintains the vehicle height at a constant level by
automatically adding air or releasing air from the air
springs to offset changes in vehicle loads.
A shutoff switch is located in the trunk behind the
left hand vertical trim panel. If this switch is in the
OFF position, the automatic leveling system will not
operate. The switch should be OFF whenever
jacking up the vehicle. ªAIR RIDE SWITCH OFFº
will appear in the Message Center when the
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176ignition switch is in the ON position and the
shutoff switch is in the OFF position. ªCHECK AIR
RIDEº will appear when a system fault has been
detected and the ignition switch is in the ON
position.
Normal vehicle operation does not require any
action by the driver.
The air suspension switch Ð located behind
the left-hand vertical trim panel in the trunk
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203
The spare tire location
To remove the spare tire:
1. Remove the spare tire cover.
2. Unscrew the wing-nut holding down the spare
tire.
NOTE:Wing-nut is not removable.
3. Unscrew the wing-bolt holding down the jack
and handle.
4. Lift out the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench.Preparing to Change the Tire1. Make sure that your vehicle will not move or
roll. Put the gearshift in P (Park). Set the
parking brake and block the wheel that is
diagonally opposite the tire that you are
changing.
Turn off the air suspension switch prior to
jacking.
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208The lug nuts on the wheel7. Place any ornaments in the trunk.
8. Put the tire, jack, and wrench away. Make sure
the jack is securely fastened so it does not
rattle when you drive.
9. Unblock the wheels.
10. Turn on the air suspension switch.After replacing a flat tire with the temporary spare
tire, the flat tire can be secured in the trunk tub by
placing the ªJº hook through a lug nut hole in the
wheel with the tire and wheel lying at an angle.
Anti-Theft Wheel Lug Nuts
(If equipped)If your vehicle has this option, one of the lug nuts
on each wheel locks and must be unlocked with a
special key. The key and registration card are
attached to the lug wrench and stored with the
spare tire. If you lose the key, send the registration
card to the manufacturer (not the dealer) to get a
replacement key.
NOTE:If entire lug wrench/lug nut key assembly
is lost, see your nearest Ford or Lincoln-Mercury
dealer who has access to a master set of keys.
NOTE:DO NOT USE A POWER IMPACT
WRENCH ON THE LUG NUT KEY.
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214DO NOT TOW WITH SLINGBELT EQUIPMENT.
Ford Motor Company has not developed or
approved a T-hook sling-type procedure. Use wheel
lift or flatbed equipment. When towing your Mark
VIII with wheel lift equipment, be sure dollies are
in place under the trailing wheels if the air
suspension is deflated to prevent damage to the air
deflector.
Rear towing
When calling for a tow truck, tell the operator what
kind of vehicle you have. A towing manual is
available from Ford Motor Company for all
authorized tow truck operators. Have your tow
truck driver refer to this manual for the proper
hook-up and towing procedures for your vehicle.
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257
Before adjusting your headlamps, you must make
sure that the air suspension has been adjusted to
the proper ride height. In order to do this:
1. Position the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Make sure the air suspension switch in the
luggage compartment is in the ON position.
3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
4. Open and close the driver's door to allow the
air suspension to fully level.
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295
Index
A
ABS warning light (see Anti-lock
brake system)............ 11
Accessory position on the ignition.... 83
Accident damage............ 216
Air bag supplemental restraint system . . . 145
and child safety seats......... 151
description............. 145
driver air bag............ 145
indicator light............ 45
operation.............. 147
passenger air bag........... 145
tone generator............ 149
Air cleaner filter
location............... 220
specifications............ 263Air conditioning, electronic automatic
temperature control system....... 69
Air suspension
air ride switch off, message center . . . 37
description............. 175
Alarm, activating remote personal..... 123
Aluminum wheels........... 242
Antenna, radio (see Electronic
sound system)............ 66
Antifreeze (see Engine coolant)...... 228
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
description............. 171
see also Brake............ 171
warning light............ 11
Anti-theft lug nuts and key........ 208
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